An imaging optical system includes a positive or negative first lens group, a diaphragm and a positive second lens group. The first lens group includes a positive lens element, provided closest to the object side, that has an aspherical surface on the object side thereof, the aspherical surface including a paraxial convex surface convexing toward the object side. This aspherical surface has a curvature that is positive along a meridional cross-section at the paraxial portion thereof, and the curvature of the meridional cross-section changes from a positive value to a negative value in an area within 75% of an effective aperture from the paraxial portion toward the periphery of the aspherical surface.